NCAA approves Gallaudet’s use of 5G-connected helmet for deaf quarterbacks
The NCAA has given full approval to the Gallaudet American football team to use a helmet specifically designed for players who are deaf or hard of hearing for the remainder of the season.
The helmet, developed by Gallaudet University and AT&T, debuted last year and the team got a chance to play one game with it. The Bison won that day after opening 0-4, and it was the start of a three-game winning streak.
The technology used allows a coach to call a play from the sideline on a tablet, with the action then visually displayed on a small screen in the quarterback’s helmet.
“We’re trying to improve the game and we’re trying to find ways to level the playing field for our guys,” Gallaudet coach Chuck Goldstein told The Associated Press in a telephone interview. “We’re still in the testing phase. One game was a small sample size and it was all built up to that one shot. As we move forward, we’re learning a lot about different hiccups and things that come down that we weren’t aware of last year.”
One downside is that Gallaudet won’t be using the helmet for Saturday’s home game, Goldstein said, because the No. 1 and No. 2 quarterbacks were injured last week and there wasn’t enough time to get another helmet fitted with practice time to be comfortable using it. He hopes to have it ready for the next home game on campus in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 28.
“It’s great that the NCAA approved it before the season so we can work through these issues,” Goldstein said. “We have time and we’re excited about it — more excited than ever. And I’m just glad that we have these things and that we’re seeing what we need to improve.”
Gallaudet’s approval to use the helmet in Division III games comes just as helmet audio communications go into effect at the Division I level.
“It’s just a matter of time before it gets to our level, which would really put us at a disadvantage if we didn’t get that opportunity,” Goldstein said. “We’re grateful that we have the opportunity to continue to learn and see what feedback we can give the NCAA and tell them about our journey.”
Kellyn Kenny, Chief Marketing and Growth Officer at AT&T, said it was a huge proud moment to get the helmet on the field last year, and that this is a big step forward.
“As college football kicks off its next season, we not only celebrate another milestone, but we also have the opportunity to continue collaborating and innovating in ways to drive meaningful change to make sports more inclusive for everyone,” Kenny said.